Are you Paying off the Catholic Church’s Child Abuse Debts?

There was much consternation recently when the Bishop of Ferns asked parishioners to help him to pay off the debts incurred, because some of the priests in the parish abused children.

Most people were of the view that this was more denial from the church, and a demonstration of unbelievable cheek.

However, you might be contributing to this fund, without even realising it.
How?

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Well, if you are a tax payer, then some of your tax euros go towards running our schools. For example, paying teachers, buying resources and paying bills in general.

That’s fine, you say?

Yes, but did you know that schools are now being asked to pay a “Diocesan Contribution”? Some Dioceses have asked for this payment for a few years, while others have started more recently.

What?

Yes, the Diocese sends out a letter to primary schools with a “request” for €1 (more in many places) per pupil in the school. They follow up with a phone call (I have been told) if the money is not paid.

If asked, the Diocese will probably tell you that this is to cover the cost of running our schools.

What costs?

The Department of Education and Science cover every cost. The Catholic Church has the power, but the taxpayer foots the bills.

The Diocese might then tell you that it is to cover the cost of examining Religion in our schools every year.

Should the tax payer (through the school) fund that?

Should school principals throw this “bill” into the bin? That’s very difficult when the Chairperson of the Board of Management (the boss) is a priest, and an “employee” of the person sending out this bill (Bishop), and will probably insist on paying it.

Is this “Diocesan Contribution” going towards paying off child abuse debts?
I do not know.

Probably, yes, in one way or another, directly or indirectly.

How do you feel about that?

http://bocktherobber.com/2010/03/are-...buse-debts